I will shed no blood, said Wi, not even that of those who hate me,for misery makes them mad.
That stone was ill aimed, said Pag who stood by. I tried to stay them but theyfelled me with clubs, for they are fierce as wolves and more savage.
Aye, let us go to the cave, for if we stay here upon the ice we shallperish, said Pag. He looked down upon the people and, by the shimmering moonlight,watched their faces.
The people who called upon the Ice-dwellers, where arethey? If he is afraid todie, then let him give another to the gods. I am sure that it will be so, she replied simply.
I tell you nothing, Wife, he answered sternly. Now let Wi the mightyman, our chief who rejects you, make answer to it if he is able.
Wi, you have your answer, piped Ngae, as the shouting died. Was it not well that one should die for the sake ofmany? Shall we gather men and fall on them and kill them?
I brought the trouble, Wi; surely I should have paid its price. I brought the trouble, Wi; surely I should have paid its price. They cowered before him and muttered together. All the white world was a desolation and a waste. Then he had come thither because theplace was holy to him.
For he had sent command to Aaka that she must nomore sleep alone in her hut.
They say that the Ice-gods demand ahuman sacrifice and that this sacrifice must be given to them. He, Wi himself,whom they dared not touch because he was chief and too strong forthem. They saw it creep into the sea and there break off in sharp-toppedhills of ice.
Yes, a Voice has spoken tothem from the roof of their hut in the dead of night. Now let Wi the mightyman, our chief who rejects you, make answer to it if he is able. They are starvingbrutes, and such will fill themselves. Or, if you dare not, then send us oneof your household.
Their prayers finished, they spoke together.
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